Last quarter’s unexpected slowdown is a symptom of larger problems with global growth

Investors accustomed to focusing on the domestic causes of Japan’s decadeslong funk should look more widely to understand the current slowdown. It’s a symptom of global issues, not just the country’s struggles with an aging population and stagnant wages.

The world’s third-largest economy was enjoying its longest growth streak in 28 years until last quarter, when it came to an abrupt end with a 0.6% decline in annualized GDP.